Friday, April 30, 2010

Today is the start of my first contest!!!! Woot woot! Are you as excited as I am? Because I'm REALLY excited! Here's a brief re-cap of how this is going to work! Beginning TODAY, I will be posting clues from certain books. The clue could be a quote, a question about a character, or random bits of dialogue. You might have to tell me the name of the book, answer a question, or identify a character. You won’t know until I give you the next clue! For every clue you answer correctly you get another entry towards the contest! That means you could get 10 additional entries! However this is all meaningless unless you know the prize! The winner will be able to pick between 10 books, and of course those 10 books are the ones the clues have been pulled from! For further rules look here!

The first clue requires some thought. However, the answer to the question is also the title of the book!And the first clue is! Drum roll please!!!

What do you get to turn the outside in?

Answer the question HERE! Please no posting the answer in the comment box! Don't spoil the fun for others por favor! Just a quick note here. Every clue will have a separate entry form to prevent cheating. Simply because it was the easiest way I could think of to keep everyone's entries straight. There will be a Final Entry Form AFTER all 10 clues have been given, and there will be a tally box for how many entries you have. I will be keeping track of how many entries each person has, so if you can't remember don't sweat it! *Hopefully I didn't just confuse y'all... haha* Let the fun begin!!!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Dog Eared is a chance to share some of my most worn "dog eared" books that I love to read over and over...and over again. This weeks Dog Eared is Wake by Lisa McMann!

Synopsis: For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.

She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.

Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....

I remember when I first discovered this book. It was such a novel idea that I kind of staked out the bookstore until it came out. I think the people working at Waldens were a little creeped out from seeing me so much... aside from my weird stalker-ness I was so excited when I got this book! The writing style wasn't at all like I was expecting. It's hard to describe, but Lisa McMann definitely has her own unique writing style, and frankly I love it. It's refreshing to pick up a book and actually appreciate not only the unique story but the writing as well. I love Janie as a main character, and a lot of her comments and ideas are just so funny. Janie is very goal oriented and is determined to not let her "disability" stop her from living her dreams and making a life for herself. She has a very troubling home situation and problems with her mother, but she doesn't let it get her down, and if anything it makes her even more determined to get the Hell out of Dodge (excuse the cheesy reference.) Caleb is probably one of my all time favorite love interests. I know right? That's a very long list, but hey he truly is one of my favorites. He's so down to earth, realistic, caring, and is trying to overcome past tragedies and hard times. He's just so REAL. So many times the love interest is just all too perfect and it's nice to know that hey, normal guys can be just as amazing. Plus Janie and Caleb are just the most adorable couple ever in my opinion. Both Wake and Fade are equally amazing. Though I haven't gotten my hands on Gone yet. For any of you die hard Caleb fans, check out Lisa's Website! There is a free download of Caleb's story! (And yes I already did a fan-girl squeel and then downloaded it immediately)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Fancy-ful Designs is a way for me to feature album art, book covers, or just awesome fan-art that I think deserves some recognition. So I haven't posted some of my own artwork in a while. I figured I would do one this week in honor of the Student Honors Art Exhibit at my school. I have 7 pieces going this year! Which has me slightly less excited because I usually have 8... haha.

Anywho, this piece is from last year from Graphic Design! The piece is separated into 3 different sections. The black and white, the water color, and then prisma. The word along the side is rattletrap, which means rockety or unsound. I really had a lot of fun doing this piece. At the time the water color had me really worried since that's what the vast majority of the piece is in. It turned out really great though! I particularly love the shoe! I am infinitely proud of it. Lol.

So hopefully after opening night of the art show this week I'll have more pictures to share!

I have exciting news!!! I am going to be hosting my first contest! Yay! Woo! Hurah! However, I couldn’t resist adding a little twist! Instead of doing just regular entries, you get bonus for blogging about the contest, yada yada, I’m going to make this more interesting! I’m excited to announce The Great Scavenger Hunt! Here’s how it works. Beginning May 1, I will be posting clues from certain books. The clue could be a quote, a question about a character, or random bits of dialogue. You might have to tell me the name of the book, answer a question, or identify a character. You won’t know until I give you the next clue! For every clue you answer correctly you get another entry towards the contest! That means you could get 10 additional entries! However this is all meaningless unless you know the prize! The winner will be able to pick between 10 books, and of course those 10 books are the ones the clues have been pulled from!

Here are the rules!

1.You must be a follower to enter! If you’re not just head on over to my side bar and click!

2.Sorry guys I can’t ship international. :( Alas I am poor, but in the future I definitely will open it up internationally.

3.I’m not requiring anyone to blog about the contest or put it on your sidebar etc. However if you care to spread the word it would be much appreciated. :P

4.Please do not enter until all 10 clues have been posted! I would hate for anyone to miss out on extra entry points.

Okay! That’s pretty much it! Short and sweet, and hopefully this will be a blast! The contest will be open through all of May, but the clues should be posted all within the first week! Can't wait till Saturday!!! Happy hunting my dears!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

I know it's been like a day since I finished Fragile Eternity, but I'm already done with Radiant Shadows. Muwahahahahahaha! Ha ha! Ha. Ha... okay I shall stop now. Onto the review!

Synopsis:

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.
Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.
Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Review: Wow. That is seriously all I can think to say. And possibly fantastic. Amazing. Utterly delectable. I could go on. I literally devoured this book in a day. Less than a day. Okay so like a couple hours tops. I just could not put it down! Radiant Shadows unlike the previous books had some serious hard core intrigue, deceit, darkness, and oh ya lots of fighting. As the characters are thrown deeper and deeper into the Dark Court, you can't help but want to be consumed by the darkness as well. If there was a fanclub for the Dark Court, believe me I'd be a member.

I knew the moment I read about Devlin in Fragile Eternity that I was going to adore him. He's stoic, seemingly emotionless, and carries out orders brutally. He is Sorcha's Bloodied Hands, and yet he is not solely hers to command as the queen thinks. He has secretly defied her wishes over the centuries, and sees that she has been corrupted by emotion. He once spared Ani's life when ordered to kill her, and wants to stay out of her life. When sent to the mortal world by orders of the Queen he just can't stay away. Ani's unbridled passion, her fierceness, and protectiveness towards the ones she loves has him entranced as soon as he lays eyes on her.

The assassin of the High Court is in for more than he bargained for. Ani, half human half fey, is an anomaly herself. She is able to feed off of the emotions of both faeries and humans just like the Dark Court. Yet she has the strength, speed, and the skin hunger of the Hounds. By feeding off of someone's emotions and skin she could kill them within seconds. Ani is frightened of her powers and the fact that they seem to be increasing with time. Afraid to get too close to anyone in case she hurts them, she focuses on trying to help save the Dark Court. Even if that means subjecting herself to experiments on herself and her blood.

As Bananach grows stronger by the minute, Sorcha becomes more and more corrupted by her newfound mortal emotions and her protectiveness of Seth. Faerie soon slips into decay as Sorcha refuses to stay connected. Devlin and Ani find themselves in a race against time to stay out of Bananach's clutches and to knock some sense into Sorcha. If they fail, then Faerie falls as well.

I simply loved everything about this book. The more pronounced bit of darkness, the fighting, Ani and the hounds, Devlin, Bananach's evil plans, more Devlin. Oh and did I mention Devlin? Hmm yes I believe I did. And of course the whole love/hate thing going on between Niall and Iri. Just gah! Will they just admit that they love each other already?! Dark, delectable, and dangerous! That pretty much sums up this amazing novel!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Guess what? I finally finished Fragile Eternity! After it being out for almost a year... though I still haven't bought it.... I did however download it onto my handy dandy laptop. : ] So as you can imagine I have been going everywhere with my computer in hand. Yay for the joys of technology! Anyway onto my review!

Synopsis: Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.
Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.
In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

My Review: The third installment of Melissa Marr's fantastic series did not disappoint. I was greatly impressed with how each individual character grew and changed. Marr illustrates beautifully that people are anything but static and they are always changing, even if they are faeries. At times I found myself disliking how Donia and Niall had changed so much, but I came to realize that they hadn't changed at all. Niall was hiding from who he really was and when he finally accepted himself I actually liked him more. Donia likewise experiences that truth. Giving up on Keenan is something she never wants to do, but she will if she has to. I'm glad that she didn't sink into a depression when Keenan so easily turned the tables on their potential relationship. Both are proud monarchs who will always put their Court before their own interests, and that's what makes them so admirable.

As the story progressed I found myself disliking Keenan and Aislinn more and more. Keenan is unbelievingly selfish and manipulative and Aislinn is just too naive to see it. She ignores what is clearly in front of her because she is convinced to have faith in the one person who does not deserve her trust. As much as I want Aislinn and Seth to end up together, it is more for Seth's sake than Aislinn's. Seth is even more understanding and honorable than previously hinted at. He completely accepts Aislinn for who she is and what she has become. He does not pressure her, does not ask for her complete and undivided attention. He is more than she will ever deserve and that makes him all the more amazing.

The introduction to the deeper workings of Faerie and Sorcha's High Court were also very well done. Sorcha, seemingly predictable and ruled by logic, is more complex than the reader initially believes. The balance of War and Reason with Devlin firmly inbetween had me entranced. I felt drawn to Devlin even with the few glimpses of him there are. He is seemingly emotionless, but there are times when his passion is revealed in unexpected ways. Marr does a wonderful job of making all of the characters seem real, not just the main ones. The side characters are always entrancing and I always find myself wanting to know more about them.

Overall, a beautifully written story that continues the journey of not only Aislinn and Seth, but Niall and Donia as well. New and important characters are introduced and I find myself wanting to delve deeper and deeper into the world of Faerie. And frankly I don't want to leave. :D

I Spy is a weekly segment that will preview any new book (and occasionally movie or other random item) that I think is noteworthy or am intrigued by. Mostly it will be books to watch out for! New and exciting upcoming reads by new authors and old alike. This week's I Spy is WWW: Wake by Robert J. Sawyer! For once I actually own the book that I am previewing. I just recently found this when I was book stalking on Amazon, and low and behold I actually found it at my local bookstore!

Synopsis: Caitlin was born blind, and when, newly arrived in tenth grade, she is offered a chance at an experimental procedure to give her sight, she leaps at it, despite previous disappointments. When she returns from the Tokyo hospital in which she underwent the procedure, it seems a failure. Soon enough, though, she discovers that, instead of reality, she is perceiving the Web. What’s particularly interesting is the background noise. Something strange is floating around behind the nodes of normal Webspace; a closer look reveals that, whatever it is, it’s not just meaningless noise.

I am a new fan to sci-fi. When I read the description of this off Amazon I couldn't help but go "Epic!" It is such a unique premise. Just imagine being able to actually SEE the internet. How cool is that? The idea also that the internet has developed some sort of conscious being is very awesome as well. Since our world revolves around technology and particularly the internet, it is very cool to see an original story idea. I am super excited to read this and it's on deck for TBR!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Dog Eared is a chance to share some of my most worn "dog eared" books that I love to read over and over...and over again. This week's book is The Naming by Alison Croggon!

Synopsis: Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child when her family is destroyed in war. She doesn’t yet know she has inherited a powerful gift, one that marks her as a member of the noble School of Pellinor and enables her to see the world as no other can. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true identity and extraordinary destiny unfold. Now, she and her mysterious teacher must embark on a treacherous, uncertain journey through a time and place where the forces of darkness wield an otherworldly terror.

The Pellinor series is probably one of my all time favorite fantasy books ever. In the history of forever. It's a classic tale of a young woman discovering herself and her destiny. I always wanted to be Maerad. I mean who wouldn't want to have hidden almost unlimited magical power? Maerad is very humble, her sole possession an instrument from her mother who died when Maerad was young. She is brutally honest with herself and I greatly respect her as a person. She is honorable, sweet, humble, and just all around a wonderful person. Most importantly, though she has this huge responsibility she is still a teenager. She is so relatable and so like myself, that sometimes I felt like she was my best friend. I just related to her that well. She has a destiny that even she can hardly believe, and a huge legacy to live up to. The entire world is so well thought out and utterly extensive that it's hard to believe that it is fictional. It is literally like stepping into another world, filled with its own customs, history, folk-lore, magic, and unique people. I love this series, and I need to get my hands on the fourth and final book! Oh and small little rant here. Cadvan and Maerad are not, I say NOT a thing! Ever! No way! I do not understand how people can think that! Ew! Gross! Nasty! That nasty thought ruins the whole mentor/ student relationship they have! Just, no. Okay, small rant aside, these books are a great example of epic fantasy that you just cannot miss out on!

Kiss and Tell is a meme originally hosted by my good friend Aly over at Fantasy 4eva. I've decided to join in the fun as well! Plus I just think the pic is absolutely adorable! Kiss and Tell shares any books that I have recently gotten from the library or borrowed from a friend.

I don't typically go to the library all that often, but I'm going to have to change that. :P However I do have a book that a friend has lent me! I'm totally psyched to read Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow!

Synopsis: Barlow's debut novel innovatively mixes horror, noir, and epic poetry, creating a uniquely thrilling read. Ruled by competing packs of werewolves, the seedy underside of LA is far stranger than anyone ever imagined. Lycanthropes hire themselves out as hit men and pushers, both driving and feeding off the criminal world. At the center of the story is Anthony Silvo, a self-professed loner and dogcatcher who falls in love with a mysterious woman; she leads a second life as a werewolf and works for Lark, the leader of the most dangerous werewolf pack on the streets. Her growing relationship with Anthony causes her to regret the wild choices of her past and seek out a new life. Meanwhile, Lark suspects that competing packs of lycanthropes are after his power and he prepares for a massive, citywide conflict. Other subplots include a detective's investigations into werewolf-related murders and a comic bridge tournament that might have ties to the LA drug trade. Some readers might be initially intimidated by Barlow's free-verse poetry, but, after a page, they will be swept into the rhythm. It's also to Barlow's credit that the touching moments between the woman and Anthony work as powerfully as the most graphic violence in the story.

I am so excited to read this! I saw my friend reading this, and believe me she doesn't go for were-wolves or prose for that matter, so it really caught my attention. I figured if she devoured this book in a few days then I would love it! It sounds action packed and edgy! Plus well... it has were-wolves! Duh!

Just on a random note I just have to share that I just bought Radiant Shadows and The Reckoning! Off topic I know but I just had to share in the excitement! :D

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Yes I just said fawesome. (If anyone has read Peeps you'll get the reference) :P Okay , so I normally don't do music posts, but I literally could not resist raving about this band.

So aside from the awesomely brilliant cover art I had absolutely no reason to pick this up. I was at my local CD/DVD/Book store and I had a three dollar off coupon for any CD valued at $11.99. I could not find ANYTHING that I wanted . You know that feeling of being unsatisfied no matter what is in front of you? Ya well that's what I was feeling. Then I stumbled upon the new section and found this! They had a brief description of the style of music and I went "MINE!" Neon Trees is everything from awesome 60's garage rock to modern day dance/techno. It is an awesome mix of musical genre's creating the perfect CD! I am absolutely in love with this band. I thought it was impossible to like a band that I had never heard of or listened to before THIS MUCH. I think I've listened to it about 10 times in the past 24 hours! Yes the whole CD! Ten times! To say I'm in love is an understatement.

Definitely check out their MySpace page! I don't think I'm too abnormal in my musical choices, so I think it's pretty safe for most of y'all. :P Give them a listen!

Fancy-ful Designs is a way for me to feature album art, book covers, or just awesome fan-art that I think deserves some recognition. This week's Fancy-ful Design is Nightshade by Andrea Cremer!

Synopsis: While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

First of all I just have to say that I fell in love with this cover the moment I set eyes on it. Calla's eyes just draw you in, entrancing you to look at it. Her hair is so white and rough looking, just like a wolf. The cover model is just absolutely gorgeous as well. Flawless skin, slanted smile, like she knows something you don't. I love the slight purple tinge to everything as well. Her lips are like frosted crystals. So beautiful. And the flowers! AH! Snow white against what looks like splashes of blood. So twisted and beautiful! I can't wait to get my hands on this! The story sounds excellent as well! I love anything supernatural and a good earth shattering secret thrown into the mix is always a plus! I am super excited!!! Is it October yet? Lol.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

I Spy is a weekly segment that will preview any new book (and occasionally movie or other random item) that I think is noteworthy or am intrigued by. Mostly it will be books to watch out for! New and exciting upcoming reads by new authors and old alike. This weeks I Spy is The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff!

Synopsis: Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.

A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?

First off I just have to say that this cover if friggin amazing. It's just so twisted and dark and utterly awesome! The whole baby carriage with the knives and scissors hanging over it just creeps me out. But in a good way. It really sets the tone for the novel. I love the fact that the cover just practically shouts "Hey faeries aren't all fun and games." It is amazingly twisted and dark, and I am just so in love. Okay I'm done gushing about the cover. For now... I have to say that I am VERY excited for this book. I love faeries. Faerie novels. Artwork that contains faeries. Faeries, faeries, faeries! I'm a little faerie crazy. I love changeling stories and I'm sure this one will be no different. I'm glad that this story is told from the POV a male character. There are just so many faerie books out there that have female main characters. It's just nice that for once we get to hear the guy's side of things. I just cannot wait to read this!

Friday, April 16, 2010

So in a fit of boredom I find myself wanting to do a blog post, yet I don't have anything relevant enough to say to do an actual post. So I figured I'd just combine a bunch of my random musings and thoughts because frankly I am tired and trying to keep myself awake. :P

I adore reading every blog listed here! So keep up the awesome reviews and entertaining stories! :D

Random Thought #2: I'm re-reading Melissa Marr's books right now (I'm currently on Ink Exchange) in preparation for the release of Radiant Shadows. So this is partially inspired by guilt as well. I haven't read Fragile Eternity yet. Shameful I know, utterly horrible. I should be beaten. I've had it just sitting in the folds of my computer just waiting to be read, and I just haven't. Thankfully this travesty will soon be resolved considering I devoured Wicked Lovely fairly quickly and I'm already making head way into Ink Exchange. Just thought I'd share because my love for these books has been newly rekindled since I'm re-reading them. I've fallen in love with Seth and Irial all over again. There is just something magical about these books that keeps me entranced. Strong feminine characters, irresistable dark hunks, faeries, plots and intrigue. What more can you ask for? A review for Fragile Eternity will hopefully follow shortly. Well... at least within the week. Haha.

Random Thought #3: Remember that post I did forever ago on why working at a pizza place sucks? Ya, well, here is the sequel. So you know how every single pizza joint is doing that whole "10 dollar pizza" hype? Well just to make this clear, the place I work at did it FIRST. Anywho, I am so sick of it!!! We did it for a promotion months ago. Then we did it again for the Super Bowl. Then we did it for all of March. And what is our special for April? Stupuid 10 DOLLAR PIZZAS! Just to show you how infuriating it is here is a list of stupid questions I get asked every time I work.

Convo #1:
Customer: "Now on your special does it include family sized pizzas?"
Me: "Yes it does, it's any pizza any size."

Convo #3:
Me: "Would you like to hear our specials? We're currently featuring our any pizza any size for $10"
Customer: "I would like to do the special."
Me: "Okay what pizza would you like?"
Customer: "No, I want the special."
Me: "No, what pizza would you like? You get a choice of any pizza off our menu or build your own for up to 3 toppings."
Customer: "Uhm....hmmm"

Are you noticing a recurring theme here, because I sure am! How stupid can people be? Any pizza, any size means ANY PIZZA, ANY SIZE! I swear it's like I'm speaking German or something! Plus when someone orders a large and I ask if they'd like to do the family instead since it's the same price I get variations on "Oh really? I'll get five pizzas then!" or "Oh really?! I'll have three stuffed pizzas!" Honestly if I could smack customers and not get fired I would. Phew... okay I think my rant is over. For now... there is likely to be further rants and rages over my job.

So I think I finally ran out of random thoughts. I shared an award, gushed about books, and ranted. I think I accomplished my need for a blog post. One of the things I love about blogging is I can totally unload what has been floating around in my brain all day. It's like emptying out the trash. Actually... more like the Pensieve from HP. Haha! Harry Potter reference! Gotta love it. So yes, thank you for listening to my horribly random sporadic thoughts. I appreciate it, trust me. :P

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Grab your broom and hat, and get ready for a spellbinding tale filled with history, magic, romance, and of course witches! I finished this two days ago but sadly work is being evil and I now have to close Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday. :/ However the time gap between finishing the book and actually doing my review has not diminished my absolute fan-girl-ish-ness for it.

Synopsis: A spellbinding, beautifully written novel that moves between contemporary times and one of the most fascinating and disturbing periods in American history-the Salem witch trials.
Harvard graduate student Connie Goodwin needs to spend her summer doing research for her doctoral dissertation. But when her mother asks her to handle the sale of Connie's grandmother's abandoned home near Salem, she can't refuse. As she is drawn deeper into the mysteries of the family house, Connie discovers an ancient key within a seventeenth-century Bible. The key contains a yellowing fragment of parchment with a name written upon it: Deliverance Dane. This discovery launches Connie on a quest--to find out who this woman was and to unearth a rare artifact of singular power: a physick book, its pages a secret repository for lost knowledge.
As the pieces of Deliverance's harrowing story begin to fall into place, Connie is haunted by visions of the long-ago witch trials, and she begins to fear that she is more tied to Salem's dark past then she could have ever imagined.

My Review: I have to say that I bought this book on a total whim, FOREVER ago. At least it seems like forever ago... it was when I actually still had a book store in my town. :/ I'm actually fairly certain I bought this because if I bought a hardcover I got a paperback for some discounted price or something. My own mother read this before I did, told me it was really good, and yet I still didn't read it until last week! I admit I am totally ashamed of myself because this book was AMAZING. I honestly cannot believe I never read this before.

Going into it I was expecting a difficult time actually getting into the novel. Initially it wasn't all that exciting but believe me two or three chapters in it definitely gets good! I have a great passion for history and I thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic research that was put forth into the story.

Connie has just passed her exams and is looking to start her dissertation over the summer. She is in the need of a truly unique and undiscovered primary source to really punch her way through the historical community. She finds more than she ever bargained for however when she accidentally stumbles across a key containing the name of an unknown person: Deliverance Dane. Upon further investigation it is discovered that Deliverance was a woman who was tried for being a witch during the Salem witch craze in 1692. Connie believes she has potentially found her undiscovered primary source and immediately begins the hunt for Deliverance's lost Physick book. The story switches back and forth from present day and to Deliverance and her ancestors. As the novel is hitting it's climax, the POV's change more and more frequently building up the tension.

There were so many things I adored about this book. The amazing historical context is only the beginning. I love the Salem witch trials. It's a time in history where no matter what theories historians have come up with we will never know the motivations and the truth behind people's actions. In truth the witch craze is truly an enigma. The girls were either experiencing some sort of poisoning/ high from moldy bread, or they were just enjoying the attention and power over others in their community. The author does an excellent job of truly getting into the minds of the Puritans. She looks at events in not only a historical context, but the beliefs of the time. It was one of the things that was so refreshing. She made a historical event accessible and interesting to anyone, not just die hard history freaks like myself. The added element of actual magic and mysticism also gave the story that unique twist that kept me reading. I also loved the way Howe embedded the practices of religion into witch-craft. It was an interesting concept that the reason witches were so greatly hated because they believed they were able to communicate with God directly through prayer, a practice that Puritans would have found blasphemous. It opened me up to a lot of new ideas and theories that I had never really considered before. Aside from the excellent plot and historical background there is one more thing that made me adore this book. The love interest of course! Know what the sad thing is? After I had exclaimed how much I adored the love interest Sam; my mom responded "Knew you'd like him" and gave me a knowing look. I can't believe I am truly that predictable! Well... actually I can. Guy who works in building restorations, longish hair, few tattoos, laugh lines, and a septum ring. Can you say yummy?! Plus he randomly brought Connie doughnuts and coffee in the morning, unannounced. Any guy who brought me coffee and doughnuts is an immediate heart throb in my book. :D

Overall just a simply amazing! Fantastical, terrific, pick your adjective! I absolutely adored this book, and I'm positive you will too!

Dog Eared is a chance to share some of my most worn "dog eared" books that I love to read over and over...and over again. This weeks Dog Eared is one of my all time favorite books. Ever. In the history of forever. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray is probably one of the reasons I started reading so obsessively. No lie.

Synopsis: Gemma, 16, has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order.

The Gemma Doyle Trilogy started my obsession with reading back in oh, say fifth grade? Possibly sixth? Anyway, the point being is that this book was so wonderful it not only made me fall in love with the story, but fall in love with reading. As well as making me obsessively buy books as well, much to my parents chagrin. The story starts off in India, a place I cannot even fathom visiting, and immediately draws you in. It's Gemma's 16th birthday and she ends up running away from her mother in the market after another fight. Gemma finds herself lost on the streets and being followed by a mysterious young man. Trying to escape this new threat Gemma is suddenly drawn into a terrible and violent vision to only witness her mother's murder. Gemma is suddenly sent away to the constricting and timid lifestyle of a Victorian woman when she and her family move back to England. She believes that she is finally away from the horrors that haunt her and her family, only to find that the past isn't so willing to move on. Spence brings about a whole set of new and strange social standards that Gemma must struggle to conform to. Trouble seems to follow her at every turn. Getting in trouble with teachers, challenging the social monarchy, and the mysterious young man from India who still seems to be following her.

Gemma is a strong willful young woman who I am able to relate to very easily. She is as misplaced in England as a fish is on land. Not good at French, drawing, sewing, or dancing she is a complete social outcast. None-the-less she is still a determined and stubborn young woman. Not caring what others think, she takes on Felicity and Pippa's little games and comes out on top. She is probably one of my favorite heroines, hands down. She does not judge others based on social standards or race, and believes that everyone deserves a second chance. Believe me I have not forgotten Kartik. :D Tall, dark, mysterious, long eyelashed, hot bod, bad boy type vibe going on? Hmmm mmm hmm mm mm! Who could forget that?! The characters are completely believable, the plot is twisted and unpredictable, and it is just an absolutely amazing read! The whole entire series is well worth it and a must buy because you will read them over and over again! :D

Oh and for other fans... you know the rumor going around that there was going to be a movie? Well it's in production! Currently the release date is December 2, 2010. However do not badger me with questions of cast, because I can honestly say that I looked everywhere and could not find the stupid cast list. >.< Oh well. Still psyched!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Fancy-ful Designs is a way for me to feature album art, book covers, or just awesome fan-art that I think deserves some recognition. So in my perusing of Amazon I stumbled upon this fantastic book! Well technically it's a trilogy, but meh. The Drowning City by Amanda Downum looks absolutely amazing! The cover as well as the story.

Synopsis: Symir--the Drowning City. A lush subtropical port, home to exiles and expatriates, pirates and smugglers. And violent revolutionaries who'll stop at nothing to overthrow the corrupt Imperial government.
For Isyllt Iskaldur, necromancer and spy, the brewing revolution is a chance to prove herself to her Crown, and to forget the heartbreak that haunts her at home. All she has to do is find and finance the revolutionaries, and help topple the palaces of Symir. But the longer she stays in the monsoon-drenched city, the more factions and intrigues she uncovers--even the dead are plotting, and the monsters who live in the flooded canals. And the closer she grows to an Imperial mage, the more her loyalties are strained.
Betrayed by her allies, hunted by the people she meant to aid, and determined to save a man oath-bound to kill her, Isyllt must choose between her mission and the lives of thousands of people. But as the waters rise and dams crack, everything she's worked for may still be swept away.

Does that just not sound absolutely bad-ass? Maybe I have this obsession with assassins because of Brent Weeks' books, but I am absolutely dying to read this. It combines two of my favorite things: necromancy and assassins. How could a book get any better than that? I pretty much envision Isyllt as a mix between Sabriel, from Abhorsen, and Kylar, from The Way of the Shadows, all mixed into one amazing kick-ass feminine necromancer/assassin. So yes I'm having a bit of a fangirl episode right now, which is odd in itself because I haven't even read this yet, but I can tell I am going to adore it! Once I get my hands on it that is. :D

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Drum roll please! Dah-duh-da-dooo! I'm sure all of you are just as excited as I am! The Crescendo cover is FINALLY here! Woot! I've been dying to see what it would look like since I first read Hush, Hush!

Obviously this is just a drawing, but the official design will be posted soon! I adore the lightning and the red feather! Since the perspective is slightly off it's hard to get a clear picture of what Nora looks like, but I'm still highly thrilled! It's safe to say that I'm having a geek out moment right now. :D To enter to win an ARC head over to Fallen Archangel now!

So as you can see my blog has undergone a makeover! I found an absolutely adorable template that I could just not pass up. It just screamed "Take me! Take me!" and so I did! :D I'm absolutely in love with it, as you can probably clearly tell.

And..... I have a button! Yay! Courtesy of Staysi from Lost in Ink! She did a fantastic job designing this for me and I cannot thank her enough! Absolutely beautiful! And a big thanks to Andrea from Loud Words and Sounds for helping upload it! I'm completely technologically challenged and utterly hopeless. I appreciate all the help guys! Muchas gracias!

I Spy is a weekly segment that will preview any new book (and occasionally movie or other random item) that I think is noteworthy or am intrigued by. Mostly it will be books to watch out for! New and exciting upcoming reads by new authors and old alike. This weeks I Spy is Other by Karen Kincy. I am sooo excited for this book! It sounds absolutely amazing!

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Gwen hides a dangerous secret: she’s Other. Half-pooka, to be exact, thanks to the father she never met. Most Americans don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Others, especially not the small-town folks of Klikamuks, Washington. As if this isn’t bad enough, Gwen’s on the brink of revealing her true identity to her long-time boyfriend, Zack, but she’s scared he’ll lump her with the likes of bloodthirsty vampires and feral werewolves.
When a pack of werewolves chooses the national forest behind Gwen’s home as their new territory, the tensions in Klikamuks escalate–into murder. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is methodically slaying Others. The police turn a blind eye, leaving Gwen to find the killer before the killer finds her. As she hunts for clues, she uncovers more Others living nearby than she ever expected. Like Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who rivals Zack and challenges her to embrace her Otherness. Gwen must struggle with her own conflicted identity, learn who she can trust, and–most importantly–stay alive.

Oh my gosh! This sounds absolutely amazing! I love the added element of the "Others" and the fact that supernatural people are out in the open. Though I have to admit that when I read the description I went "What the heck is a pooka?" A quick look at Karen's Website quickly resolved my confusion. :D I thought it was very unique the fact that Qwen does not wish to be lumped in with the vampires and the werewolves. It's just so refreshing! I just can't help but go "Finally! People who aren't insanely attracted to the supernatural!" The added element of a murder mystery also has me dying to read this. No pun intended. And oh did I mention hot sexy Japanese-Fox! Yum yum indeed. I absolutely cannot wait!!! A sequel is already planned and Karen's also writing another book! Be sure to check out her website!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Dog Eared is a chance to share some of my most worn "dog eared" books that I love to read over and over...and over again. This weeks Dog Eared is A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly. Though it may not seem like it, I do like historical fiction. A lot actually. I just never can seem to find good historical fiction.

Synopsis:Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey has big dreams but little hope of seeing them come true. Desperate for money, she takes a job at the Glenmore, where hotel guest Grace Brown asks her to burn a bundle of secret letters. But when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie discovers the letters reveal the grim truth behind a murder.

Set in 1906 against a backdrop of the murder that inspired Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy, this astonishing novel weaves romance, history, and a murder mystery into something moving, real, and wholly original.

My Review: It's been a long while since I read this, but I still remember the story pretty well. The beginning of the novel really sets you up to be pulled in. When Grace Brown first asks Mattie to burn the letters you immediately know something bad is on the horizon. The start of the story sets the mood for the entire novel. Sad and often time desperate situations happen everyday, but Mattie has to overcome these hardships to remain true to who she is and her own dreams.

Mattie is one of my favorite heroines. Surprising is it not since she has no magical abilities or kick ass sword abilities. I admire Mattie for her strong sense of self. She knows exactly who she is and doesn't let anyone decide her future. When the love interest is revealed to be only manipulating Mattie's affections to gain what he wants I was ecstatic to find that Mattie picked herself right back up and went off on her own. She doesn't need a man to make her happy and she pursues her career even though everyone tells her she is a fool for doing so.

While Mattie is a very strong main character, this isn't just a story about personal triumph. The novel has horrible events and turns that still make me sad just thinking about them. After reading this novel so many times I learned to appreciate what I have and how much those who care for me try and help me lead a better life than their own. A Northern Light helps you see things in a new light while simultaneously telling an amazing story of a strong willful young woman and real historical events. It is truly a great combination and a wonderful story. Just goes to show that you don't need flashy magic or peril to make a great story. :D

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Yello! So me and my wonderful friend Aly have come up with a rather strange and hopefully successful idea. I’ll let Aly explain though. Please welcome Aly from Fantasy4eva!

Aly: Me and my fellow blogger, and friend, Kay were talking, and came to the conclusion that we should do something great together. You see we’re both very opinionated and brutally honest, so we thought it had to be something unique; something that you don’t see very often. So we came to the conclusion that the TWO of us would review a book together once a week. Our different thoughts and opinions would make one hell of an interesting review. We don’t know whether we will totally agree with one another or utterly clash, but I felt it would spice things up since we would have no idea what the other felt until the review had been done. The title "Speak Your Mind" has been formed with the perfect duo!

Today the on "Speak Your Mind" we’ll be reviewing a favorite of ours. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

Synopsis: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Aly’s Review: When I read the synopsis I knew I was going to love this book. You know when you read a synopsis and it just clicks, like you know you’re going to love that book? It was just there, and I waited for a long while to finally get it, and it turned out to be greater than I expected, which just made it even more worthwhile. Clay Jensen returns home one day to find a package with his name on it. He proceeds to open this package, and discovers there are tapes for exactly 13 specific people, the haunting thing is Hannah is dead. She committed suicide, and worst yet, Clay was in love with her and he never got to tell her that. To me Clay seemed like my type of guy, calm, relaxed, kind of quiet, not arrogant and very sweet. Maybe that’s why I related to him so much, Jay Asher obviously chose his main man well. The story is a sad yet a touching one. Clay must go through each and every tape to get to his, and in order for him to do that, he must learn about Hannah, and the wrong doings that were done to her. In the end he must hear what his part was in Hannah' death. The thing is because Clay is so real and likable how he feel affects you deeply. At times I didn’t know who I felt for more, Hannah or Clay. Through every tape Clay listens to, your breath hitches and you are in utter silence like Clay. Your heart is beating and you feel as though you are in the same place Hannah was sitting. Right there recording this very tape, even though its Clay feeling all of that you feel too, and you don’t know how to deal with it, because it feels too real for comfort.

Hannah is one of those who minds her own business, very mysterious and does her own thing. I know those types, I used to be one of those girls. I think the reason for me loving this book so much is because I also relate to Hannah so well. I have had those dark moments, when I feel people don’t understand when you want everyone to go away. It’s because I relate to her so much that I understand her so well, which is why it’s so sad there are a lot of chances for people to reach out for Hannah to help her. People are just too selfish or they don’t want to open their eyes to what they don’t want to admit. As the book progresses, you see things starting to go more downhill, and you can only sit there and read on. You can’t help Hannah and you can’t make Clay understand. That is one of the most frustrating concepts for me personally. There are a lot of things that build up, some you see coming and others you don’t. I really should stop now so I’ll end it with, this is just such a heart-wrenching , touching book, in a life lesson kinda way. I learned a lot from it, and hopefully once you’ve read it so will you.

What are your thoughts Kay? Anything you didn’t like about it?

Ky’s Review: This is one of the few books I’ve read where I have had my opinion altered. Believe me this is truly remarkable because I am a very stubborn opinioned individual. 13 Reasons Why is not your average YA read. It is a touching novel that explores how the little things are the ones that truly affect your life. Something I never realized was how much the seemingly small insignificant things you do, can affect someone else. So many people in Hannah’s world did seemingly harmless bits of cruelty. They could never have guessed that their actions would have affected her so. It’s hard to accept that everyone is guilty of this. I like to think that I’m a thoughtful person and would never purposefully hurt someone. This book made me realize that you don’t have to intend to hurt someone, to do so.

I don’t mean to get all depressing here, but suicide is a really terrible thing. I used to believe that people who chose to do so just took the easy way out. That they always had a choice, but after reading this novel I realized that they might not always think they do have a choice. While reading I was truly put into Hannah’s shoes. It was a very emotional experience to say the least. I can’t say that I understand what it’s like to feel the need to take my own life, but I can empathize.

The story contains a great lesson yes, but it is also just an amazing story. Just like Aly said, Clay is absolutely loveable. It is sincere and kind, and overall just a wonderful guy. I felt like I was able to connect with him, in a way that I could never connect to Hannah. It’s a touching story that will surely change the way you view the world. It’s truly a life changing book that everyone should read.

As for your question Aly, there wasn’t anything I disliked about this novel. I only wish there were more like it. :D

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

I'm done!!! Woot woot! After being kept from devouring this book by my cousins and cries of "Kiwee!" every five seconds, I finally finished it today after sneaking peaks at it all day during my classes. It definitely lived up to my expectations! Yet at the same time I'm so depressed that I'm done with it. :(

Synopsis:Act Two, Scene OneGrowing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned everything about every play ever written. She knew the Players and their parts, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and determined to follow her stars. She is ready for the outside world.

Enter BERTIE AND COMPANY
But the outside world soon proves more topsy-turvy than any stage production. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the protective walls of the Thèâtre, nothing goes as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between—Nate: Her suave and swashbuckling pirate, now in mortal peril. Ariel: A brooding, yet seductive, air spirit whose true motives remain unclear.
When Nate is kidnapped and taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him. She and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey aboard the Thèâtre’s caravan, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Along the way, they collect a sneak-thief, who has in his possession something most valuable, and meet The Mysterious Stranger, Bertie’s father—and the creator of the scrimshaw medallion. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

My Review: Lisa Mantchev continues her brilliantly original series in her latest novel Perchance to Dream. Enter Bertie and Company! The masterfully crafted story continues with Bertie's latest whirl wind adventure. Bertie is bound and determined to rescue Nate, her best mate and would be lover, from the clutches of Sedna the Sea Goddess. Accompanying her are her ever present partners in crime, and Ariel the sexy mysterious air elemental. When Bertie tries to use her newly discovered powers to re-write their story, things don't go exactly as planned. Events go at a breakneck pace and at times it's difficult to keep up with the latest turn of events; yet it is one of the reason's that kept me at the edge of my seat. New characters are introduced, Bertie's father is revealed, and the confrontation with Sedna had me clutching the pages. The story truly is magical and I didn't always understand exactly why or how things were happening, but it's what gives these books that certain charm. That extra element in the writing truly captures the magical otherworldly quality of the story and characters. I was thoroughly pleased with how events turned out and would not change a single thing about the novel.

The characters were vastly entertaining as well. The fairies! Oh oh oh oh my! If I could pluck any characters out of a book, they would be at the top of my list! Talk about utterly hysterical! They make me giggle insanely every time they speak! Lines like "I haven't the foggiest notion" just kept me laughing insanely throughout the novel. It's funny and upbeat, yet keeps the air of mystery and anticipation throughout the story. Remember how I couldn't decide who I liked more? Ariel or Nate? Ya well... I still can't decide. Depressing I know. It's just so frustrating because I want to pick a side, but I can't! This little love triangle had the potential to turn into a horrible Edward/Bella/Jacob disaster, but thankfullly it did no such thing! Bertie is her own woman and refuses to be "owned" by any man, even though she has feelings for both. Bertie is independent and comes into her own powers, inherited from her mother and her father, and a mix of her own.

Overall an amazing sequel that still leaves me wanting for more! Absolutely wonderful! I just feel sorry for everyone who has to wait to read this... total bummer. But fear not my fair maidens! It is well worth the wait! :D

Fancy-ful Designs is a way for me to feature album art, book covers, or just awesome fan-art that I think deserves some recognition. Okay so I know I did some fan-art a while ago, but I'm going to do another one because it's THAT BEAUTIFUL. Remember here, full disclaimer: This art is not mine! I cannot stress that enough because I don't want to get sued. This wonderful piece of artwork was done by *Kuraime. Titled "Comfort of Thorn" it depicts Thorn and Murtagh. I absolutely adore Murtagh so I'm in love with this. Look at the prettiness!

What may you ask made me look around Deviantart like a crazed person to find this? Well I watched Eragon on ABC family the other day because there was NOTHING else on. Of course the only part of the movie I enjoy is Murtagh and his awesome smile. Then I was reminded of the tragic wonderfulness that is Murtagh, and by default how much I hate Eragon. If those books were about Murtagh I might actually enjoy them. However I am not going to dwell on this or else I might go on a very long rant about how much I want to punch Paolini in the face. *breaths deeply* Okay... rant averted.

I love this artwork so much because it truly captures how tragic Murtagh's situation is. Thorn and Murtagh are trapped in service to Galbatorix. Eragon didn't help them, nobody did. They were forced and yet they are still hated for betraying the Varden so to speak. Murtagh even spares Eragon. Despite everything he still tries to do the right thing. I really just want Murtagh to come and kick Eragon's ass, because we all know that as evil as Galbatorix is he is power and a good teacher. So yes. Go Murtagh! Boo Eragon. Absolutely beautiful artwork, and no matter how many times I look at it I still geek out. :D

Monday, April 5, 2010

So I actually finished this book a few days ago. Lacking time and not wanting to do six posts in two days I waited to review Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder. Now that I've finally got around to doing it I feel a lot better. :D

Synopsis: I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that dangerous - the only neck I risk is my own. Until I accidently start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution. I should have just said no...

My Review: So if you haven't already picked up on the fact that I'm a HUGE Maria V. Snyder fan, well then I guess I just re-iterated that point. Inside Out was a complete change from her other novels. There's no magic, mystique, or sexy assasins... which was kind of disappointing at first but I got over it. Trella is tough, cut throat, and never backs down from a challenge. She lives to break the rules and is known as the Queen of the Pipes. She knows every inch of the air, heating, and water ducts that run throughout Inside. When approached by a Prophet who claims that Gateway is real and Outside does exist, Trella is driven to prove him wrong. She is after all the only person in all of Inside who can sneak up to the Upper levels and retrieve the information the Prophet needs. However things don't go as planned and the hope to find a way out upsets the balance on which Inside is built. Trella finds an unexpected friend in the Uppers, and even more surprises await when the Scrubs not only help hide her escapades but support her in her endeavors. A full scale rebellion is on the horizon and Trella finds herself to be at the front of it.

Inside Out is action packed and I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. I adored Trella's character, and her unexpected heritage was a huge surprise. Her character truly evolves throughout the book. She goes from being very introverted and only concerned with herself to caring about the future of all the Scrubs. I loved Cog and Riley as well. Riley is an Upper, but is unlike anything Trella ever expected. He's caring, has a great sense of humor, and genuinely wants to make life for the Scrubs better. I'm having a hard time truly describing this book. It was just so amazing and I can't talk about it without gushing and spilling the whole plot line. Which would end up badly for those of you who haven't read it yet. So I guess I'll just end this with saying, IT'S AMAZING! You won't regret reading it, and it's a definite must buy! :D

Friday, April 2, 2010

I Spy is a weekly segment that will preview any new book (and occasionally movie or other random item) that I think is noteworthy or am intrigued by. Mostly it will be books to watch out for! New and exciting upcoming reads by new authors and old alike. So normally I post these on Saturdays. However, on the account that I'm going to be entering the boonies of my home state for Easter weekend to spend time with relatives, more likely than not I will not have internet connection. So this post is a day early! (I apologize for the massive amounts of posts I've been doing.)So this weeks I Spy is Pegasus by Robin McKinley! Robin McKinley is one of my favorite authors so I'm super psyched for her new novel!

Synopsis: Because of a thousand-year-old alliance between humans and pegasi, Princess Sylviianel is ceremonially bound to Ebon, her own pegasus, on her twelfth birthday. The two species coexist peacefully, despite the language barriers separating them. Humans and pegasi both rely on specially-trained Speaker magicians as the only means of real communication.

But it’s different for Sylvi and Ebon. They can understand each other. They quickly grow close—so close that their bond becomes a threat to the status quo—and possibly to the future safety of their two nations.

I think this novel is going to be geared more towards a younger audience but that sure is not going to stop me from reading it! I adored McKinley's last book Chalice and of course Sunshine is one of my all time favorite vampire novels. Did I mention I also adore Pegasus's? Horses with wings? Prettiful! McKinley always does an amazing job of creating a captivating world full of magic and wonder. She always has me hooked from the first page. I cannot wait for this to be released! Plus the cover is just soooo cool! I'm geeking out again, but hey, can you blame me? :D